Iago A Villain Analysis

As most have come to define, Iago is the most infamous villain of all time, I find that he is much more of a complex character then at first glance. Sure he is evil, but is he a simple villain? I think not. He is thoroughly amused by his devilish plots and is not afraid to declare how good he is at it to the audience. Iago is different then many villains because his motives are not very clear. There are many theories over why Iago does the things he does, and my belief is that Shakespeare wrote it this way to cause the discussion.

First and for most, we can garentee that Iago enjoys plotting these schemes, and is very proud of his work. You can easily tell that he likes gloating about his talents of manipulation right after he plants the seeds of jealousy in Othellos mind, he immediately reflects on himself being the best gardener. He says Virtue? A fig! ‘Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to hve it sterile with idleness or manured with industry, why the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills” …show more content…
One of the more odd theories of Iagos motivations is that he is actually in love with Othello. Although it seems ridiculous there is some hints to it being true. For instance when the scene between Othello and Iago comes to the conclusion of killing Cassio Iago pleads to him that he would do anything for Othello. He says “I am your own forever.” (3.4. 546) Also he is on one knee below Othello telling him that he has complete command. He says, Witness that here Iago doth give up the execution of his wit, hands, heart to wronged Othello’s services.”(3.4. 523-532) This scene suggests minor homoerotic behaviors towards